Czech-Slovak store in NY warms the hearts and stomachs of expats far from home
Getting coarse flour for crumble topping or the typical Czech cottage cheese needed for the country’s delicious kolaches is not easy in America. Many Czech and Slovak expats have these items delivered from Polish shops. But for those in the know, there is a store selling the things that Czechs crave when far from home. The Czech-Slovak mixed goods store on Jackson Street has been operating in New York for over two decades.
When Czech Radio’s correspondent Pavel Novák paid a visit to the Uhrik’s family store, he was given a warm welcome by the owners, who showed him round the place with pride.
For anyone with no ties to Czechia, it looks like the average small town mixed goods store with a bizarre array of products in jars, paper bags and boxes that they would not be tempted to buy.
But the sight will warm the hearts of Czechs and Slovaks, since the goods are all carefully selected items that are impossible or hard to obtain abroad –all of which represent a taste, smell and feel of home. Jarka says Czechs and Slovaks who wander in usually find what they are looking for.
“We sell food, toys, souvenirs, drugstore items ... You name it. The many little things that Czechs and Slovaks miss, in the familiar packaging they know so well. We have the highly popular Slovak brynza cheese over there in the fridge, authentic Czech dumplings, Czech sausages and even bread rolls."
Jarka runs the Slovak-Czech shop with her Slovak husband Milan Uhrík, who is always looking for ways to expand the goods on offer.
"Everything here has a story. I brought some rolls from the Czech Republic, gave one to the baker here, and in a fortnight he baked me a plate of rolls just like those you get back home. When they're fresh, people come and buy them and store them in their freezer".
Many Czechs and Slovaks also come to get poppy seeds – an essential ingredient for the kolaches that many expats bake at home.
"Most of the locals wouldn’t know what to do with poppy seeds, in fact Americans think they are a drug, like opium so they would be afraid to consume them, but Europeans often come here to buy them. When people ask for something, we try to get it. We now have a variety of Central European goods. We found there was a gap on the market so we filled it. We first started selling the stuff at various social events and festivals and it would sell like hot cakes, so we decided to open a store. And we have been here for 21 years now."
Most of the stuff they sell is like “comfort food” for their clients and Milan says the secret of success is to always have a full store and something new to offer.
"We have to try and keep the shelves full. So you have to make an effort. If the shelves aren't full, it will be like be a museum, but then again, we could charge admission to that.”
Clearly this couple is not afraid of hard work and is ever ready to be innovative. And, for their growing clientele the place is so much more than a mixed goods store –it is a taste of home.
